Burnley defender Kyle Walker announces England retirement | OneFootball

Right-back Kyle Walker has announced his international retirement after earning 96 caps for the England national team.

The Burnley defender disclosed his decision to leave the international stage through a social media post on Tuesday afternoon.

The former Manchester City star made his senior debut in 2011, replacing current Burnley manager Scott Parker in a friendly match against Spain.

Walker represented the Three Lions at five major tournaments – three European Championships and two World Cups.

His standout tournaments were the 2020 and 2024 European Championships. He was named in the Team of the Tournament for both editions.

Walker’s final international appearance came in the international friendly against Senegal at Wembley Stadium in October.

Manager Thomas Tuchel has praised the 35-year-old. “I know all England fans will join me in congratulating Kyle on an incredible international career,” Tuchel said.

“Although I only worked with him for a short period of time, I was always aware that he was one of England’s greats who fully embraced the highest honour of representing his country.

“An international career spanning 14 years and five major tournament is testament to Kyle’s dedication. He can look back on his time with the Three Lions with great pride.”

Reece James has replaced Walker as the Three Lions’ first-choice right-back, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Djed Spence and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa providing cover for the Chelsea captain.

Tuchel will likely have told Walker he is no longer needed, but allowed him to engineer his ‘retirement’ from international duty on his own terms.